Ronald D. Marcelino, 87, of Crete, passed away peacefully at his home on July 1, 2023.
Ron was born and raised on a farm west of Crete. During his younger years, he went to country school, which was about a mile southwest of the family farm. As he would always say, “I had to walk a mile uphill in the snow to get to school and a mile uphill to get home.” During his high school years, he attended Crete High School and graduated in 1955.
After high school, Ron attended Doane College for one year before returning to the family farm. He also worked many odd jobs before deciding to join and serve in the army. He later was in the Air Guard and then served in the Army National Guard. He retired from the armed forces after 26 years of service.
Ron was also working at the Lincoln Fire Department when he met Marjorie Jo Van Cleave. They were married Dec. 3, 1960, and had two sons, Roger D. and Michael Lee. Ron and Marge were happily married for 62 years. Marge was by his side in every adventure they had, even at the time of his passing.
In 1968, Ron attended Barber College in Lincoln. Upon graduation in 1969, he opened a shop in the corner basement on 12th and Main streets in Crete. In 1970, Ron moved his family to Crete. He later moved his location to 1114 Main and remained there until he retired after 47 years.
Ron was also a member of the Crete Volunteer Fire Department for more than 20 years. He was active in Free Masons for 62 years and held membership at College Heights Country Club.
Ron was a wonderful family man, always taking his family on exciting vacations. He was always there for his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. He also loved restoring old furniture, which he did in his spare time.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents; sister; and great-grandson, Samuel Woodsman Litton. He is survived by his wife; Marge; two sons, Roger and his wife, Jacquie, who live in Crete and his four children, Annissa Noblejas, Casey Litton, Brittany Sanchez and Joseph Marcelino; Michael and his wife, Janet, who live in Lincoln and his three children, Jared, Courtney and Joshua. Ron also has nine great-grandchildren, Caden, Nathaniel, Elijah, Elizabeth, Hayden, William III, Jace, Benjamin and Rachel. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and many cousins.
The funeral service was July 8 at Kuncl Funeral Home, Crete.
